The Sri Lanka cricket board (SLC) has announced mandatory fitness tests for players before issuing No Objection Certificates (NOC) for their participation in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season starting on March 28. This decision aims to ensure player fitness, especially as several Sri Lankan players are currently recovering from injuries. The fitness tests are scheduled to take place early next week in Colombo, with only those meeting the required standards permitted to join the IPL.
Among the notable players awaiting clearance are Matheesha Pathirana (Kolkata Knight Riders), Wanindu Hasaranga (Lucknow Super Giants), Eshan Malinga (Sunrisers Hyderabad), and Nuwan Thushara (Royal Challengers Bengaluru). In total, seven Sri Lankan players have been selected for the upcoming IPL season, including Dushmantha Chameera and Pathum Nissanka (both Delhi Capitals) and Kamindu Mendis (Sunrisers Hyderabad). IPL franchise officials are awaiting updates on these players post their fitness tests.
Several players like Pathirana, Hasaranga, Malinga, and Thushara had missed matches during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup due to injuries. Hasaranga, sidelined since February 8 with a hamstring strain, and Pathirana, who played three matches before being sidelined, are among those recovering. Despite these setbacks, Sri Lanka performed well in the T20 World Cup group stage, securing wins against top teams like Australia. However, injuries led to their exit in the Super 8s stage.
